The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival has been cancelled for a second year due to COVID-19 concerns, officials announced on Tuesday.
In a unanimous vote, the Half Moon Bay city council decided to deny a special event permit to pumpkin festival organizers on Sept. 7, citing threats to public health, KPIX reported.
Prior to the vote, the 2021 Art and Pumpkin Festival was set to take place on Oct. 16 as the "HMB Pumpkin Minifest" ー a toned down version of the original festival featuring an impressive line-up of live music, arts and crafts, expert pumpkin carving, a pancake breakfast and carnival games.
The Beautification Committee, the group which coordinates the festival, had originally planned to take ultimate COVID-19 precautions including hand washing and sanitation stations, face coverings required and a pop-up vaccination clinic. However, the council still felt it was not worth the risk.
In a public statement, the committee mourned the loss of the festival after months of planning. "Heartbreak beyond words times two now for our non-profits, our local artists and musicians, our suppliers, vendors and sponsors, local businesses and the entire Coastside community and festival fans everywhere," they said.
Despite the festival cancellation, the highly anticipated Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off will take place as scheduled on Oct. 11 at the IDES Grounds, 735 Main St., downtown Half Moon Bay.
